Lead-Acid (AGM / Gel / Flooded) vs. Sodium-Ion (Na-Ion)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Lead-Acid is the oldest rechargeable battery chemistry (invented 1859), delivering 2.0V per cell (12V nominal in standard 6-cell monoblocs). Despite low gravimetric energy density (30–50 Wh/kg), its unmatched surge current delivery (hundreds of cold cranking amps), low production cost, and 99% recycling rate make it the universal standard for automotive starting/ignition (SLI) and industrial UPS systems.
Sodium-Ion (Na-Ion) chemistry replaces lithium with abundant, low-cost sodium compounds. Operating at 3.0V–3.1V nominal with energy densities of 140–160 Wh/kg, Na-ion cells deliver exceptional low-temperature capacity retention (>85% at -20°C, operable down to -40°C), zero thermal runaway risk at 0V discharge, and use aluminum current collectors on both cathode and anode.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nominal Cell Voltage
|
2.00 (12.00 V 6-Cell Pack) V | 3.00 – 3.10 V |
|
Gravimetric Energy Density
|
30 – 50 Wh/kg | 130 – 165 Wh/kg |
|
Volumetric Energy Density
|
60 – 100 Wh/L | 260 – 340 Wh/L |
|
Cycle Life (to 80% Capacity)
|
300 – 1,000 (Deep Cycle AGM) Cycles | 2,000 – 4,000 Cycles |
|
Thermal Runaway Threshold
|
> 200 °C | > 260 °C |
|
Operating Temperature Range
|
-20 to +50 °C | -40 to +60 °C |
|
Self-Discharge Rate
|
3 – 5% / Month | 2 – 3% / Month |
|
Primary Anode Material
|
Porous Sponge Lead (Pb) | Hard Carbon (Biomass-derived Non-graphitizable Carbon) |
|
Primary Cathode Material
|
Lead Dioxide (PbO2) in Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte (H2SO4) | Prussian White Analogues / Layered Transition Metal Oxides (NaMO2) |